Thomas joins the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Alex Dowsett in competing in Monmouthshire over the next few days

Geraint Thomas is relishing the challenge of a punishing month in his cycling career as the Tour de France and Commonwealth Games await.

Wales star Thomas also has the National Championships time trial and road race on familiar territory in Monmouthshire ahead of him during the next four days. The time trial is on Thursday with the road race on Sunday.

Thomas is part of a 17-strong Wales team for Glasgow next month that also includes the likes of multiple world champion Becky James, world and European team pursuit gold medallist Elinor Barker and Thomas' Team Sky colleague Luke Rowe.

Thomas won a Commonwealth bronze in Melbourne eight years ago, but he opted to miss Delhi 2010 because of health concerns some athletes had around the environment in India.

"I am really looking forward to it," said Thomas of his upcoming schedule, speaking during Wednesday's Wales cycling team kitting out session at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport.

"Obviously, I missed Delhi, so it has been a while now since I have been racing for Wales, so I am really excited.

"It gives you an extra motivation and an extra hunger this time around to really go there and try to do a good job.

After the nationals - and subject to Team Sky selection - the Tour de France beckons for 28-year-old Thomas.

If he completes the Tour, he will then head straight to Glasgow for prospective medal bids in the time trial and team pursuit.

"The Commonwealth Games is always a bit of a weird one," he added.

"It's not like your average pro race, it is a lot more of racing a bit more spontaneously with more random attacks, and you are racing from the off rather than letting a break go and then racing at the end. It is racing from the word go.

"It's definitely an experienced (Wales) team. I am used to racing with Luke, we know each other really well, and the younger lads have done some really big races. They know how to race.

"I think we can work really well together, and hopefully with a bit of a luck we can can come back from Glasgow with a medal.

"My preparations have been good. I have been working hard to try to get a place in the Tour as well, so form is looking good."

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Thomas and James will be part of a 17-strong cycling team that also includes world team pursuit champion Elinor Barker, World Cup medallists Jon Mould, Sam Harrison and Owain Doull and Team Sky pro cyclist Luke Rowe

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